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CRTC quiets loud TV commercials

OTTAWA and GATINEAU, QC, Aug. 30, 2012, 2012 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) --
Today, the Canadian
Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced
that new rules requiring Canadian broadcasters and broadcasting
distributors to control the loudness of television commercials come
into force on September 1, 2012.

"Starting on September 1, Canadians will be able to enjoy their
favourite television programs without having to adjust the volume
during commercial breaks," said Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the
CRTC. "We appreciate the efforts undertaken by the broadcasting
industry to conform to the new standard and ensure that programs and
commercials are transmitted at a similar volume."
Broadcasters and television service providers must adhere to an
objective international standard for measuring and controlling
television signals. It is important to note, however, that loudness is
a perception that is dependent on a number of factors, including the
nature and content of the audio material. Some frequencies are
perceived to be soothing, while others are more irritating to the human
ear. As a result, a commercial can be broadcast at a similar volume, or
audio level, as the program that preceded it, but perceived to be of
different loudness.

The international standard only applies to digital television services
and not to analog services. Viewers who are unsure if they subscribe to
analog or digital television services should contact their cable
company. Furthermore, the United States will adopt the same
international standard by the end of the year. Until then, viewers
watching the over-the-air signals of American television stations may
be exposed to excessively loud ads.

Viewers who believe that a commercial was broadcast at an excessively
loud volume should:
-- First contact the broadcaster or television service provider
about their concerns and attempt to resolve the complaint
directly.

-- If the concerns are not addressed to their satisfaction,
viewers may then submit a complaint to the CRTC via its
website or by the other
means listed on the website.

The CRTC
The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and
supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.